Caolan Loughran said 'bring on the backlash' as he came to terms with his first defeat as a professional.
The Tyrone bantamweight stepped up against a late change of opponent on his UFC debut on Saturday night.
And despite giving it everything at the Accor Arena, the 27-year-old came up just short against experienced Taylor Lapilus.
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Loughran - who was originally paired with Yanis Ghemmouri - was greeted by a chorus of boos when he entered the arena.
The Irishman made himself public enemy number one after flashing his middle fingers to a partisan home crowd at Friday's ceremonial weigh-in, and claiming French MMA "sucked" during the build-up.
Loughran accepts there will be some vitriol aimed in his direction following Saturday's loss, but he insists he remains undeterred as he looks to the future.
"No low hits like a loss in the fight game," he said on social media.
"I'm not stupid, I never for one second thought I'd leave this game an undefeated pro but doesn't make it one bit easier.
"We took a chance going against a vet when the opponent changed on fight week and came up short, poor performance.
"Experience ye can't buy it.
"An absolute bastid of a game but wouldn't change a thing. I put myself out there so of course I'm ready for the backlash when it doesn't go my way.
"Tear into me lads. Nothing changes, I'll be back."
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